January 29, 2012

Santosh Poonen

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• Sermon Slides
• Summary: Practical instructions on the relationship between elders and other members in the church (I Timothy 5:16-25).
• Quote: The way God establishes authority in the church is the exact opposite of the “pyramid schemes” used by the world to establish authority in its organizations (Marks 9:35, 10:44)
• Quote: Jesus set us the ultimate example of how to “climb the spiritual ladder” — he became the ruler in God’s kingdom by humbling himself to the point of death (Philippians 2:5-9).
• Quote: The church needs plurality of elders for leadership because:
  • the elders must set an example of submission to the flock, by submitting to each other
  • there must be a balance of vision and administration through the elders
  • the elders must share the burden of responsibility, lest they burn out
  • the elders must have accountability
  • this is the example that the apostles set out in the first century
• 1. Elders must rule well (I Timothy 5:17).
• 2. Elders must live above reproach, because they incur the greater judgment from God (I Timothy 5:19). This is also why an accusation of an elder by an individual must never be received.
• 3. Elders must instill the fear of God in the church by rebuking sin (I Timothy 5:20).
• 4. Elders must be impartial (I Timothy 5:21).
• 5. Elders must keep free from every appearance of sin (I Timothy 5:22).
• 6. Elders must not be legalistic (I Timothy 5:23).
• 7. Elders must fight against every form of hypocrisy (I Timothy 5:24-25).
• Quote: Once someone chooses to submit to authority in the church, they must obey their leaders. The elders then have responsibility for those who submit to them (Hebrews 13:17).
• Quote: Elders must be considered worthy of double honor.
• Quote: God gives permission to those who preach the gospel to earn their living from it.
• Quote: Those who, like Paul, understand their obligation to the gospel, and are under compulsion, as having stewardship before God, will not use the right to earn a living from the gospel so that they cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ (I Corinthians 9:12-17).